Reactions to Huntsman’s Nomination for China Envoy

President Barack Obama tapped the Republican governor for the post on Saturday. Huntsman said Monday that the decision to accept the appointment was not an easy one. He and his wife, Mary Kaye, have seven children, including adopted daughters from China and India.

One of the most popular governors in state history, Huntsman won re-election in November with 78 percent of the vote. During the campaign, he said he intended to serve out his second term. He did not address his campaign pledge on Monday.

“The last week has been surreal. It has been an emotional roller coaster and it has been complete with a lot of sleepless nights,” Huntsman said. However, he said, it would have been very difficult to say no to the president.

Huntsman and Obama “talked a lot about service and in some cases the importance of putting self-interest and politics aside in pursuit of those things that are more important for our nation, and I think we understand that,” Huntsman said.

Watch this KLS TV report about the U.S.-China relationship he will be entering into: